In conjunction with the National Championship in Salamanca, Guanajuato, Mexico, an Umpire Coaches Course was conducted by Horacio Alegre (ARG) during the period 14-20 November 2007.

The Course was held under the auspices of the FIH WorldHockey Umpiring Boost, and in collaboration with the Pan American and Mexican Hockey Federation and the host Guanajuato State Hockey Association.

35 participants from 10 different states of Mexico attended the Course which was designed mainly for Umpires Coaches but also for new young Umpires, players and coaches.

In 3 days of classroom sessions, Umpires Coaches practised their teaching skills presenting different topics such as umpiring techniques and rules interpretation to the rest of the participants. In separate sessions, their performance was evaluated through discussions on teaching techniques and group management.

During the 2 practical sessions on the field, new Umpires were exposed to the umpiring experience while the Umpire Coaches guided them regarding their decision making and management of the game.  

During four days of the Championship, the Umpires Coaches evaluated each Umpire’s performance and provided them with valuable feedback. At the end of the day, groups discussion were held regarding the performance of the Umpires.

Alicia Takeda, the Course Organiser, commented ‘it was an excellent experience for all concerned.  Participant players and team coaches learned rules interpretations, new Umpires were motivated to develop their own performances and Umpires Coaches gained more tools to work with their Umpires’. 

It is intended that these recently instructed Umpires Coaches develop as many local Courses as possible and at least 8 Regional Courses. As a result, it is expected that the number of Umpires will increase and that the level of Mexican umpiring will grow as a whole.  Hopefully, Mexico will be able to supply the PAHF and FIH with good Umpires in the near future.